December 21, 2022
Dola Sen’s Special Mention in the Rajya Sabha on 21.12.22 on the effect of the dilution of provisions of mandatory jute packaging on the jute sector
Sir, the jute industry is growing golden fibre, engaging 3 lakh mill workers; 3.90 lakh workers and 40 lakh farmers are dependent on it. Jute, being bio-degradable fibre, is eco-friendly, environment-friendly, agro-based industry in agrarian country, traditional industry, labour intensive and profitable industry. There is ample scope of exports and it is vital part of Rs.10,000 crore industry and involving three crore population in Bengal. The Government procures raw jute from farmers at the Minimum Support Price of Rs.4,750 per quintal (22-23) but this reaches the mill at a whopping Rs.7,200, which is Rs.700 more than. It is not party symbol. Here, it is written ‘Stop plastic bags.’ Don’t be crazy Rakeshji. It is not party symbol. It is in favour of jute. No issue is there. I cannot show jute file! It is so unfortunate, Sir. The Government procures raw jute from farmers at the Minimum Support Price of Rs.4,750 per quintal (22- 23) but this reaches the mill at a whopping Rs.7,200, which is Rs.700 more than Rs.6,500 per quintal cap on the sale of the final products. Unfortunately, despite India being the largest jute producer, Bangladesh covers three-fourth of the global export market. From 1987, Mandatory Packaging Material Act for jute is there. FCI buys jute bags from JCI 100 per cent for food grains and sugar. Now, FCI proposes moving from jute to high density polyethylene, polypropylene plastic bags through GeM portal in open market. This move would not only ruin the jute farmers, jute industry, jute workers, Bengal’s employment and economy but there would also be devastating hazardous effects for health of Indian citizens and environment of India as well. I urge upon the Central Government not to dilute Mandatory Packaging Material Act, not to permit this anti-people move, to control price fluctuations in jute market and to encourage jute industry and take responsible role for the growth of jute industry so that the farmers and the workers and we, the people of India, may survive. Thank you.
